Analyzing the effect of n-TiB2 on hardness, corrosion behavior, and statistical study of machining parameters on Al7075 nano composite
M. Ravikumar, K. Y. Chethana, Swetti Jha, Ashwin C. Gowda, K.C. Nagaraja, Monesh Kumar, Ravi Kumar, C. Vijayavardhana, S Harish, C. Durga Prasad
Abstract
Researchers have recently shown a strong interest in hybrid metal matrix composites due to their enhanced properties compared to single-reinforced composites and traditional materials. In this study, stir casting was used to produce aluminum alloy 7075 reinforced with nanoscale titanium diboride (n-TiB2) composites at various percentages (1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5%). Microstructural, hardness, and corrosion behaviour were analyzed to evaluate the effect and dispersion of n-TiB2 particles within Al7075. Results showed that the hardness and corrosion resistance of the nanocomposites increased by approximately 20.40% and 60.41%, respectively. Machinability tests were conducted at feed rates of 0.15–0.45 mm/rev and cutting speeds of 500–1000 rpm to analyze machining force and surface roughness (Ra). Using an L27 Taguchi orthogonal array and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), it was observed that n-TiB₂ weight fraction (37.11%) and cutting speed (26.97%) had the highest influence on machining force, whereas n-TiB₂ weight fraction (29.34%) significantly affected the Ra value. Confirmation experiments revealed maximum errors of 1.75% for machining force and 6.25% for Ra in the produced nanocomposites.